Disruptive Innovation in Dentistry

Keeping check on caries and chipping away bacterial plaque is why most people go to a dentist twice a year. But that need may eventually be lessened with a new material from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine. “The newly developed material is comprised of a resin embedded with the antibacterial agent imidazolium. Unlike some traditional biomaterials, which slowly release a drug, this material is non-leachable, thereby only killing microbes that touch it. . . . This can reduce the likelihood of antimicrobial resistance.” Of course, pricing could determine whether a once-in-a-while treatment or twice a year check-up will prevail. MORE

Image Credit: University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine News